SD TE Gates likely not back until NFL playoffs

Antonio Gates will play again as soon as he is able. But it seems increasingly likely he won’t play until the postseason – if the Chargers make it that far.

“I think that’s kind of the goal,” Gates said late Thursday night.

People with knowledge of the team's plan with Gates said the perennial Pro Bowler has as long as he needs to get healthy. Now that he has torn the plantar fascia, rest is all that will make his right foot better.

Gates missed a second straight game Thursday due to the ongoing pain in his right foot and inability to cut and plant.